Races & Rides

Devo Wrap: Women continue flexing their muscles on the road

Devo Wrap: Women continue flexing their muscles on the road

The women of the USA Cycling National Development Program produced another standout result in France. A rider on the team held the yellow jersey for a portion of the race before a different rider gradually ascended the general classification before finishing second in the final results. Elsewhere in Europe, a group of juniors riders have been dominating a series of kermesses in Belgium.

After hovering toward the top of the general classification, Miller finally donned the leader's yellow jersey after placing fifth in the third stage. Stevens assumed the top spot of the general classification after winning the seventh stage and held it through the final two contests, including winning the 113.9-kilometer ninth stage. Dvorak won the race's penultimate stage, outsprinting Edwige Pitel (FRA) after 115.3 kilometers.

The first four laps, spanning approximately 50 kilometers, were on fairly flat terrain and a group of 30 riders, including Brown and Wilson, broke away. As the breakaway reached the first climb, 18 riders remained in the breakaway and a field group of 30 riders were chasing. In the end, Phelan outsprinted Gianfranco Zilioli (ITA) to win the race.

The juniors riders have been staying active riding in kermesses in and around the house in Izegem, Belgium.

Tyler Williams (Shafter, Calif./Team Swift) recorded a pair of podium finishes, placing second in Kooigem and third in Denderwindeke. Williams was just one spot ahead of Justin Oien (Escondido, Calif./Southern California Velo-Monster Media Racing SCVELO) in Izegem as the pair placed fourth and fifth. In a kermesse in Dadizele, Oien finished fourth while Daniel Gay (Temecula, Calif./VRC) placed ninth. In Kortrijk, a pair of juniors riders finished in the top five as Williams and Greg Ratzell (Blandon, Pa./Young Medalists-Team Rothrock) finished first and fourth in addition to Cameron Rex (Shawnee, Kan./Gateway Harley-Davidson) was 10th. Oien also placed fifth in a kermesse in Kruishoutem before coming in second in Lauwe.

In addition to competing in kermesses, they had the opportunity to tour the BMC and Quick Step service courses during their stay as well as check out the Eneco Tour time trial stage, where Taylor Phinney, himself a product of USA Cycling's National Development Program, rode to second place.

Their next and last race during this trip to Europe will be Beveren kermesse and then they will take all the skills learned in Europe and apply them to races in the United States.

Brendan Rhim (Norwich, Vt./Woodstock Bicycle Club-Killington Mountain School) is also racing with this group of juniors.

PHOTOS

Evelyn Stevens and Kristin McGrath were the top two riders at the end of La Route de France. (Photo by Jackson Stewart)

About USA Cycling’s National Development ProgramsOne of USA Cycling’s dual missions is to achieve sustained success in international cycling competition. To that end, USA Cycling maintains development programs for all disciplines of competitive cycling, including men’s and women’s U25 and junior road; mountain bike; track (endurance and sprint) and BMX development programs. These programs provide a structured pathway to the top tier of the sport through athlete development that begins with Junior racing series, Regional Development Camps and racing and moves through to international competition. For more about USA Cycling’s Athlete Development Programs, click here.

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USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States. The 501c3, membership-based organization aims both to achieve sustained success in international cycling competition and to grow competitive cycling in America while delivering an exceptional customer experience.
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